Originally written by Leroy Brownlow. I find this article to be a constant reminder of the need to learn and focus on the right things.

More knocking on doors and less knocking on each other.

The great commission demands that we busy ourselves in taking the gospel to others (Mark 16:15). The Bible says, “Speak not evil one of another” (James 4:11). It is so much better to be busy doing good rather than evil.

More sound heads and fewer sour heads.

Perhaps there has never been a time in the history of the church in which we have had a greater need for men sound in the faith and wise in judgment. Sometimes the voice of the wise goes unheeded and the voice of the foolish takes over (1 Kings 12:6-8).

More open hearts and fewer open mouths.

All conduct proceeds from the heart. Prejudice closes the heart to a true consideration of the facts. If the heart was made right before the mouth was opened, most church problems locally and universally would cease to exist (James 3:5- 6; Proverbs 26:20).

More seed-slinging and less mud-slinging.

The task of sowing the seed of the kingdom is so great that it should leave no time for the slinging of mud at a brother. The fact that we have the whole world as our foes should draw us closer together (Proverbs 18:24). There should be no division in the Lord’s camp (1 Corinthians 1:10). One can never whitewash himself by slinging mud at another. He who tries gets his own hands dirty.

More sacrifice of self and less sacrifice of others.

There are plenty of members of the church who are willing to sacrifice the other fellow – his talent, his time, his money, and even perhaps his reputation. Sacrifice should begin at home (Luke 9:23).

More concern over direction than speed.

This is the jet and missile age. Speed is being enthroned and multitudes bow before it. But in the Lord’s work, the greater question is not “How fast are we traveling?” but rather, “Which way are we going?” (John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14). All speed is not progress. On the other hand, neither is standing still.

More faithful attendance and less criticism about our worship services to God.

Many people go to worship services seeking to be entertained or moved. Our motive for going to worship should be to glorify God by our assembling to pray, sing, remember Christ’s sacrifice, give to support the kingdom and those in need, and hear a message from God through the preaching of His word. (Hebrews 10:24-25).

More thinking about what we can do for others and less about what others are doing for us.

I am always amazed at the number of Christians who seek to be served rather than seeking to serve. Christ gave us the example of service and sacrifice (Phil. 2:8). Some ask, “What is the church doing for me?” Others ask, “What can I do for the kingdom of God?” (Matt. 6:33)

Jeff Arnette

I am the preacher of Central Haywood church of Christ in Clyde NC. We are located about 20 miles outside of Asheville off of I-40. I have been married to the love of my life for 24 years and we have three wonderful children together. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure.